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How to Choose the Right Tyres for Electric Cars

When it’s time to replace the tyres on your electric vehicle (EV), understanding how EV tyres differ from those designed for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is key.
While they may look similar, tyres for electric cars are engineered to handle heavier loads, higher torque, and quieter operation, making them essential for maintaining performance, comfort, and range.

Let’s explore how EV tyres work, what makes them special, and how to choose the right ones for your car.

⚙️ Are Tyres for Electric Cars the Same as Those for Petrol or Diesel Cars?

At first glance, electric and petrol vehicles can appear similar — and in some cases, they can even be fitted with the same tyres.
However, the way these vehicles deliver power and carry weight creates very different demands on their tyres.

Electric cars deliver instant torque — meaning 100% of their power is available the moment you press the accelerator. In contrast, combustion engines build power gradually. This immediate power surge causes sharper weight transfers and greater strain on the tyres, particularly during acceleration and braking.

Additionally, electric cars are heavier due to their battery packs. This extra mass means tyres must be built to handle increased load capacity while maintaining stability, grip, and comfort.

With EV-specific tyres like the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV and MICHELIN e·Primacy, you’ll experience:

• Optimised battery range through lower rolling resistance

• Enhanced cabin silence thanks to reduced road noise

• Durability and safety under heavy load conditions

At Michelin, continuous innovation ensures that tyres are optimised for both petrol and electric vehicles, delivering the same high standards of performance, longevity, and safety.

🏙️ Are All Electric Car Tyres the Same?

No — just as there are different tyres for city cars, SUVs, and sports cars, electric vehicles require tyres tailored to their purpose and driving style.

• City EVs need tyres that prioritise comfort, energy efficiency, and quietness.

• Electric sports cars require tyres that deliver precise steering, stability, and high grip to handle instant torque and sharp acceleration.

🏎️ The Challenges of Designing Tyres for Electric Sports Cars

Designing tyres for electric sports cars is a technical challenge that demands balance between power, control, and efficiency.

Electric sports cars are equipped with powerful motors and batteries weighing up to 400 kg, adding significant mass and torque. This combination requires tyres with:

• Exceptional grip and cornering precision

• Reinforced construction to handle added weight

• Low rolling resistance to preserve range

A soft or unresponsive tyre would dull the driving experience and reduce performance. That’s why Michelin invests heavily in research and development to ensure every EV tyre delivers the precision and control expected from high-performance vehicles.

🔍 How to Know Which Tyres to Fit on Your Electric Car

When choosing replacement tyres, it’s important to match the specifications of the tyres originally fitted by your car manufacturer. Many car makers already use Michelin tyres that are specifically designed to meet their EVs’ requirements — both for original equipment and replacement markets.

🚀 The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV

Designed to meet the demanding performance standards of electric sports vehicles, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV combines precision, range, and comfort:

• +15% cornering stiffness for sharper handling and improved control (1)

• Up to 60 km of additional range compared to standard tyres (2)

• Up to 20% reduction in perceived interior noise, thanks to MICHELIN Acoustic® Technology (3)

This tyre ensures the same responsive handling as an internal combustion vehicle while delivering the energy efficiency required for electric performance.

Michelin also develops marked tyres in collaboration with top electric vehicle manufacturers such as Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and Tesla.
A marked tyre means it has been specially developed and approved to meet a specific manufacturer’s performance and safety requirements — including EV standards.

🌱 MICHELIN e·Primacy: Efficiency for Everyday Electric Driving

For city cars, compact EVs, and premium sedans, the MICHELIN e·Primacy offers the perfect balance between performance and sustainability.

It’s Michelin’s first eco-designed tyre, developed to reduce energy consumption and improve range while maintaining high safety standards.

Key advantages:

• Best-in-class rolling resistance in the premium segment (4)(5)

• Up to 7% more battery range, equivalent to approximately 30 km extra on a 400 km vehicle (6)

• Excellent wet grip, longevity, and safety performance (7)(8)

The e·Primacy represents Michelin’s commitment to sustainable mobility, offering drivers a quieter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly experience.

🛞 How to Recognise EV-Specific Michelin Tyres

You can easily identify EV-optimised tyres by their markings on the sidewall — often showing specific codes or carmaker references.
These markings confirm that the tyre is designed or approved for use on electric vehicles, ensuring the best possible fit, efficiency, and performance.

⚡ In Summary

Choosing the right tyres for your electric vehicle ensures:

• Optimal battery range and energy efficiency

• Enhanced safety and handling

• Reduced road noise and increased comfort

• Longer tyre life despite heavier loads

For sports EVs, opt for the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV.
For city and family EVs, choose the MICHELIN e·Primacy.

Whichever you select, Michelin’s EV tyres are designed to help you enjoy maximum performance, efficiency, and peace of mind — every time you drive.

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